July 6, 2006 - PANASONIC has selected US digital rights management (DRM) specialist SyncCast to provide content security for its new eXpress handheld IFE system.

Selected by Mexicana Airlines and, according to Panasonic, due to enter service with another half-dozen carriers by the end of the year, eXpress measures 9.6in x 4.6in x 2.0in and weighs 1.5kg with 7in high-definition screen, 8hr battery, 40Gb hard disc and built-in credit-card reader. IEEE 802.11a, b and g wireless is offered as an option, with provision for upgrade to future technologies such as the more capacious 802.11n.

SyncCast’s technology is based on Microsoft Windows Media DRM software. It will allow Panasonic to obtain content from major studios in standard formats like MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, transcode it into Windows Media Video format, and encrypt it for secure delivery to many devices simultaneously.

Mexicana Airlines has signed a letter of intent to buy what Panasonic calls “a large quantity” of eXpresses for use in business class across its fleet and on most flights over three hours in length. Panasonic will back up the airline’s eXpress offering with product support, pay-per-view billing and reconciliation, and logistics, including usage tracking.

eXpress logistics will be handled by a ground-based charging loading station. Located in secure premises at an airline main base, it will be operated either by Panasonic or by the airline itself. Functions include content refreshment on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, as required by the airline, battery recharge, and collection and distribution of usage statistics via Panasonic to the airline and studios.

Earlier this year Mexicana selected Australian-based StellarInteract to supply content.